Wednesday, April 27, 2011

HERE, HOME, HOPE by Kaira Rouda

Winner: Kirsten of Notes from a Human Napkin!
Please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com with you full name and address to receive your book! Thanks everyone for entering! A new book coming tomorrow!

Another Book for You!


Book: Here, Home, Hope

Author: Kaira Rouda

Have I got a treat for you all! Here, Home, Hope comes out May 1, and it’s going to be big! I’ve got a feeling Kaira Rouda is going to have fans right alongside those who love Sarah Pekkanen. Here, Home, Hope is a heartfelt story that all women can relate to, no matter what age you are, or what stage in life you’re facing! This is going to be a great summer-time read for all!

The Blurb:

Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her ordinary middle-American existence and her neighbors’ seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding but exhausting. Meanwhile, Kelly’s own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.

From page one, Kelly’s witty reflections, self-deprecating humor, and clever tactics in executing that plan—she places Post-it notes all over her house and car—will have readers laughing out loud. The next instant, however, they might rant right along with Kelly as her commitment to a sullen, anorexic teenager left on her doorstep tries her patience or as she deflects the boozy advances of a divorced neighbor. Readers will need to keep the tissue box handy, too, as Kelly repairs the damage she inflicted on a high school friend; realizes how deeply her husband, Patrick, understands and loves her; and ultimately grows into a woman empowered by her own blend of home and career.


I LOVE sharing the first chapter of books with you and Here, Home, Hope's first chapter will pull you in immediately! I had to laugh out loud because I was in this same position, quite literally as I was just fitted for a mouth guard!

To win Here, Home, Hope tell me this:

If you could reinvent yourself today, what would you be doing with your life right now?I think you all know, I would have my novels published by now!

Thanks to BookSparksPR for offering up this copy today!

Winner will be announced at the top of this post whenever I'm ready to choose a winner; also if you have not entered to win Fly Away Home, you still may do so by clicking on that link! Another book giveaway may show up for tomorrow too! I'm feeling generous!

PeaCe uP! : )

109 comments:

Megan said...

I would be living in the mountains of West Virginia and working at The Greenbriar in events. Although I LOVE what I'm doing now!

Kirsten said...

I would have novels published too. And I'd live in a house on a cliff overlooking the ocean. And I would have a maid. And a cook. But probably not a Nanny because I think that might make me feel weird.

Wendi fr Louisiana said...

I would teach Southern Lit at the University of Montana in Missoula. In other words, I'd be a career woman earning money for myself instead of a stay at home mom.

buttah said...

I would either be a Personal Trainer, as I love to get my fit on and motivate others close to me to do so as well, or own a very cool RV resort that caters to families that want a "tropical-ish" gettaway that isn't far from home. Weird, I know, but we do LOTS of camping with friends and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!

jpetroroy said...

I think I'd be working in publishing or event planning.

Anonymous said...

If I could reinvent myself, I would either be an author, with a live in maid/cook. I would love to have someone do all the things for me that I don't like to do! jennyfromthecube

rachel e. said...

I would be doign more volunteer work

Casey said...

I would be a wedding planner living in Charleston - wouldn't that be so great? All my events would be filled with (warm) southern charm.

faithspage said...

i would love to own a boutique, all girly girl stuff

AND write a book about meaning behind dreams.

I often dream about my bf being of a different race, getting shot (living in the 20's) Kid Rock (no idea why)

Colleen Turner said...

That is a hard question! I think I would have my Masters in Library Sciences and Technology and be working as a Librarian for a local school :). I would also be crazy rich and have no cellulite :)!

absolutahnie said...

i'd be living in my favorite house in anguilla and running a breakfast/lunch cafe where the walls are lined with books for the taking/leaving.

Ready To Be A Momma said...

I would be a stay at home mommy with my kids that are yet to exist. It's been my dream for about 5 years now.
qweska8402

Beverly Victoria said...

I would have gotten my masters in chemistry, instead of secondary education, and teach at the local community college.

Either that or open a yarn store, and have classes for knitting and crochet.

holly w said...

I am happy with the way things are going. I'm going for my Phd in psychology and loving it. I am a non-traditional student so maybe just going to college earlier so I would be finished by now? I'm fine being non-traditional because I have more life experiences than some of my peers.
holly w

Margie said...

If I could reinvent myself, I think I would be a financial planner.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Carie Casey said...

I would be young enough to try out for American Idol and win.

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

I would be living in a mountainous area and own a small coffee shop/bookstore.

Corey~living and loving said...

I would totally be getting paid to take photographs....every single day. ♥

val said...

this book sounds awesome.
i think i'd be a teacher.

Brantly's Mom said...

Career wise, I be more of a wedding or event planner. I hate being stuck behind a desk in a cube all day.

The Jagow Family said...

If I were to reinvent myself...I would be a photographer! Being able to take pictures all day, everyday with the best Canon camera(s)...and make a plethora of money doing it too (because it would be my job :) along with my passion).

Meg said...

I'd be a high school guidance counselor. Stupid me never figured out what career she wanted until After college...which makes it so much harder to go back and change that Anthropology degree to something, well, useful!

Debbie Mann said...

Each triumph, each heartache, each failure has made me better than who I was. So, I look forward to who I will still become! Guess my answer is...I'ld be doing what I'm doing now with maybe a tweek or two!

Christina said...

I would still be living and working in London, traveling to other countries and cities every chance I got!

ChristinaL

DaphneSFL said...

I would own my own shoe store or I'd be living in Cabo San Lucas, proud owner of the best oceanside bar and grill in town.

Bee said...

I would have a bakery, or a comic book store.

Carly said...

If I could reinvent myself I would have pursued a different major in college. It hurts me to say it because teaching is my passion but since I haven't been able to find a full time job in two years, I wish I would have chosen a different career.

Ally said...

Med school for me, but I'm really happy with the path I chose.

Nanette said...

OMG!! I SO want this book...it's right up my alley!! Anyway, if I could reinvent myself somehow I would be doing something along the lines of and in the Culinary Arts. Not sure exactly what...but I have discovered that I love to cook and bake and would LOVE to go to Culinary Arts School! Sigh...it's just a dream at this point but MAYBE SOMEDAY?!? Thanks again for the book giveways...YOU ROCK!! Oh...and maybe you could post a list sometime of Jennifer's books in order...cuz that's the way I'd like to read them someday. :) Thanks, MM!! Nan

Melissa said...

hmmm that's a hard one. I guess I'd reinvent myself into being more relaxed!

Jules said...

I would have gone to nursing school to become a midwife.

Kristi said...

I wouldnt reinvent myself if it meant changing my family. When I was much younger I was going to go live in Italy and work. If I didnt have kids thats where I would be.

Melissa said...

I would do something in the publishing industry if I could reinvent myself. I love reading, so an editor or some other position that involves reading for my job. Melissa Rem

Unknown said...

I would be some sort of guide in Hawaii if I could reinvent myself. :)

Anonymous said...

Sometimes I wish I stuck with early childhood educations as my major. at least being a mom helps the need to teach.

I'd live in a nicer house with a pool and a nice patio seating area. And I would have a maid and a cook.

Oh well, you can't have it all and I seem to have enough.

xx (fingers crossed)
~Nattygirrl

Terri said...

I would be like Samantha Brown and travel all over reviewing hotels and tourist spots for the Travel Channel.

Where do they come up with these verification words, they're so random...that should be your question one day for a contest. My word today is quelawa. :)

Terri M. in Phoenix

Lisa justus said...

I would reinvent myself as the thinner, happier person I used to be in college. I would start over where I left off then as an English major (only now I would be doing it as a busy Mom too). I would keep all the positive parts of my life and get rid of all the insecurities or people who try to bring me down.

michelle said...

I would love to own a boutique and be surrounded by pretty, girly things all day.

kristinrose said...

I would love to have taken college more seriously and earned a degree that I could actually do something with, or own a funky jewelry shop, or be a stay at home mama (all future plans!)

Jenn3128 said...

I'd be living in Vail, hiking in the summer & skiing in the winter. I'd not be worrying about money or how much its costs me in gas money to get to work.

RivkaBelle said...

If I could reinvent myself...I'd keep writing instead of stopping for so long, and - while we're reinventing here - I'd be a mommy by now :o) hehe ...

Becki***** said...

I would have a job working with seniors before I become one . . . .but the small coffee shop/bookstore is running a close second . . .

jdstec said...

i would be thinner, richer, and living my life as it is now.

EBrowning said...

Since I think I've finally landed my dream teaching job (provided budget cuts don't cause me to be laid off from it come fall)I think I would own a cozy book store with a coffee shop that sold yummy baked goods attached. A comfy cozy kind of place where book clubs would love to come and hang out for hours on end. I also would be married by now with kids and we would be traveling all over the world during summers. :)

Erin Goff said...

Well, I mostly enjoy staying home with my kids... I would reinvent my house to have a bathtub that doesn't leak so that I could actually take a long relaxing bath without someone bursting in to say "The kitchen ceiling is leaking!" :)

Logan Collins said...

That is a really tough question...maybe own my own bookstore?

LindsayK918 said...

I don't think I can even pick one... I would be a doctor, or a personal shopper, or perhaps even follow in my dad's footsteps and be a funeral director. There are so many different ways to help and be there for people!

Sherry B said...

Epidemiologist Honestly I was looking to go back to school and get my masters in Epidemiology but then I got this job and it pays way more then I would make so I took it--so although I like my job--I am still fascinated in the whys --

Tina Brannan said...

If I could reinvent myself, I'd love to own a children's clothing boutique!! Right now I'm a stay at home mom to my son and twin daughters! I'd love to earn my own money!!

your invisible pixie said...

I would move to New York and find a bakery to work in! Instead of living in LA doing customer service...

Mom'sLove said...

If I could reinvent myself, I would be a scientist and develop a cure for diabetes..
Amanda

Anonymous said...

Being a teacher is all I ever wanted to do. I've been doing it for 7 years and love it. I wish I could focus more on just the kids and not the million other tasks that go along with it. Lauren Royall

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

I think I would have pursued a career in criminal investigation instead of teaching

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

Yes, I would have both my novels published and be writing my 3rd at the beach... kids healthy, happy... etc. Nothin' much. :0)

A.C. Morris said...

All I wish was different in my life is that I wish my husband had been stationed somewhere else. I am proud to be a military wife and am loving my new role as a mom, but being stationed overseas has pretty much put a stop to having a career of my own. I'd love for us to be somewhere stateside where I could be working as a CPA!

Krystal said...

Well I recently left my drama-filled job that was causing much stress and depression in my home life and am staying at hom with our two year old son and expecting a little girl in August... as of now.. I'd say, I can't complain! :)

Anonymous said...

I am in the process of reinventing my life right now. I just quit my unglamorous middle management Corporate America job to be a stay at home mom to my 3 and 6 year old kids. This is a 2-3 year plan. Ultimately I'd like to own my own business. I would LOVE to open a bakery cafe.

Colbey J

Meredith said...

I'd be a musician instead of a mathematician/statistician. And I would have never stopped working out!

kwertz12 said...

I would homeschool my children and travel the world with them and my husband. We would never stay in one place very long...maybe a month. I would blog about our experiences, of course, because I would be a professional blogger.

karenk said...

i would be a southern belle in charleston, south carolina :)

Lizziebeth said...

Reinvent myself? I've got the opportunity now - soon to be unemployed in my career field of 17 years. What do you do when you're 42 and cannot find a job in your career? Explore - nursing school? RD school?
What I'd love to do - write and publish children's books.
Trying to view this time as a time to really find out what I want to be "when I grow up"...
Great timing for this book!

Jersey Girl said...

Living - loving & laughing more

Leslie B. said...

I always wanted to be a book editor. I wanted the power of making a person's dreams come true or squashing them like a bug.

Joelle said...

If I could reinvent myself right now I would be running my own bed & breakfast either along Lake Michigan or on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Nicole Robinson said...

I would be done with school! I wouldn't have taken so much time off after I had my son.

Books & Reviews said...

I would have gone to MED school....been a surgeon and participate in Operation Smile.

Anonymous said...

I would be working in the entertainment industry
RebeccaE

Christine in NJ said...

I would NOT be living in NJ... And I would know how to sew (something I said I would do once I was a SAHM - AND it has yet to happen!)

Book sounds great! I'll read the first chapter with my morning coffee tomorrow!

Christine

Dolly said...

I'd be living somewhere NOT where I am, in semi-seclusion (mountain cabin, desert island), with a few pets and enough reading material to entertain me for years!

Erika L. said...

I would be traveling the world.

Ronit said...

I would be a Disney Imagineer planning the newest attractions for their parks.

Nicole Marie said...

I would be teaching middle school English... something that I will hopefully be doing by next school year!

NicoleMG from CT

Jen R said...

I'm also a big sports fan, so I'd be working for the NBA, NFL, MLB, or ESPN

Denise said...

I would either be a helicopter pilot, or I would re-open my Grandfather's diner, The Cup & Saucer.

writnkitten said...

i would be living in the midwest running a rescue operation for injured and abandoned animals--wild and domesticated.

Kimmi said...

I can't say that I'd "reinvent" myself, as I have a pretty good life and so much to be grateful for, but I do think I would be more fulfilled if I didn't procrastinate so much..or if I was braver when it comes to decisions. I tend to take the path of least resistance.

Amy said...

I, too, would like to have my novel published! (When I finish it, of course!)

Bethy said...

I would love to be a wedding/party planner. Love making arrangements for special occassions!

Jeri said...

I would have loved to have been a missionary so I could help those in need.

equinn726 said...

I would LOVE to read this book! I'm actually in the process of reinventing myself right now. I'm going from internet technology manager to registered nurse. I really want to help people in deep personal crisis. It's been a huge change and I've been extremely grateful for my husband who has been so supportive of my dream and my crazy schedule. I've been accepted to a university outreach nursing program where I'll be traveling around the state for the next 15 months learning about various areas in my new chosen profession (I'll have a 2nd bachelor's degree in nursing once I complete the program). While I think it will be hard on us, we both agree that it's an amazing opportunity.

Jeri said...

I would have loved to have been a missionary so I could have helped people in need. I volunteer but to me its not the same as traveling to places that really need help.

Dani In Chicago said...

I, too, would have my novels published! Instead of spending 15 years on the advertising career, I would've focused on my writing. But no regrets. Everything happens when it's supposed to happen.

Anonymous said...

I would be a teacher :)

MaNiC MoMMy™ said...

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Anonymous said...

I would be a pastry chef. :)

Philadelphia said...

I would be a famous Broadway Actress!

Karen said...

I'd quit waking up every morning swearing that I won't overeat. I just wouldn't. I'd also go straight to my computer to spend my day writing instead of what I actually do right now. Don't get me wrong...I'm immensely grateful for my salary, benefits, and like my coworkers...but I just don't have enough time to sit down and explain my life. It really isn't optional...but I try to convince myself it is. Thus the vicious cycle...eat, wish, do, eat, wish, do...ktmixon315

Kayo said...

I would have had more children. I have two, both in their 20's. Maybe like the Duggars..oops, did I say that? TOTALLY KIDDING!!

Anonymous said...

I think I would reinvent myself by becoming a med tech and working in a hospital lab. I think that would be exciting.

-Donna w.

Emma S. said...

I would be living in New York City working in the publishing industry, either as an editor or as a literary agent.

Brenda L B said...

I would have finished my education and gotten my BA. Also, I think if I could do it over, I may have had another child but then I would have had to have a nanny. LOL!

Lilianarenee said...

If I could reinvent myself I would start by becoming a trained chef. I would have more of a personal style like be completely rockabilly and have tattoos and wear red lipstick. Dress super cute. Or I would dress like super girly idk how to explain. Like wear lots of floral and lace and cream colors. I see it in my mind lol. Of course I would love to be a complete workout buff or just a long distance runner. And I would like to be a vegan. But im sure that would never happen.

AmyNicholeG said...

I would either be a movie start or work at a non-profit. I highly doubt the movie start dream will happen since I can't act, but there's still hope for working at a non-profit.

CariLynn said...

I'd be a nurse already instead of just starting my education in that field. And spend my free time traveling all over the world.

CariLynn

Wanda Z said...

Although I know I could never be a writer, I love books. Instead of majoring in math education, I would major in a field that would allow me to read books....and get paid for it!!

Dawn from CA said...

I would be a broadcast journalist, reporting from all over the world. In my dreams, I would do that for about 10 years, then settle down to marriage and kids, while working as a news anchor in a smallish coastal town. :)

Anonymous said...

I would have done whatever it took earlier in our marriage to get a career my husband loved, so we could be saving now for a house and kids instead of us being broke and him being unemployed.
JMitch

Lauren Louise said...

If I could reinvent myself right now I would be working in television in NYC. Luckily, I feel like I'm sort of on the right path. I have my fingers crossed.

Jonessa said...

I would own a used bookstore with a small cafe. My aunt would run te cafe and my mom would help me with the bookstore. Would also make small jeweled trinkets like bookmarks to buy.

Anonymous said...

If I was younger, FBI. Now either own a yoga studio and teach,or go to law school. TaraUB in IN

Lindsay Elizabeth said...

I would be living abroad volunteering! I so badly regret not studying abroad in college!

Crystal said...

I would have gotten my driver's license earlier in life. HA!! I'm currently 22yo (23 in July), with a college degree (in engineering), I've visited 8 European countries, I'm engaged to the man of my dreams, I have a full time job...and yet I can't drive myself to Target if I wanted to!!! LOL! Actually, I *can* drive, but I'm deathly afraid of being pulled over.

I really should get my license now huh? (I just need to figure out how this whole parking thing works)

Crystal717

(been trying to post this for a while...crossing my fingers and toes that it works)

Kristi said...

I'm not sure what I would be doing BUT I would like to be a much more outgoing person. I've been shy my whole life and I feel like it has always held me back...

Anonymous said...

I would be using my degree to work with children or in social services instead I'm working at a job that has nothing to do with what I went to school for so I can pay back the loans for going to school.
Angelini197

Anonymous said...

I would still be a busy mom of boys, but I would be doing it in NEW YORK CITY! I just love a big city :P (btw, have taken the kids to both Chicago and NYC on vacation...they thought Chicago was better. It is great, but the winters...ugh!)

IandSsmom said...

I would have my RN and be living a little more relaxing life!!

Jessica said...

I would be teaching spinning! I could do it now if I wanted but I can never find the time to get certified.

Thanks!
-Jessica

BrendaBMarion said...

I would make/have more time to write